Xülas

Xülas are traditional talismans carved from wood and used in the ceremonial life of the fictional Xüla people of the Lirian archipelago. The plural form xülas designates a family of guardian figures believed to embody protective spirits. In ethnographic descriptions, a single figure is referred to as a xüla, while the collection of figures is known as xülas.

Carvers select hardwoods such as cedar or sandalwood. Figures typically stand 8 to 15 cm tall and are carved with stylized features—large eyes, narrow torsos, and etched glyph-like markings. They are finished with plant oils or beeswax and, in some communities, painted with mineral pigments to indicate clan affiliation.

Xülas function as guardians placed near doorways or altars in homes and communal spaces. They are linked to harvest ceremonies and rites of passage; new xülas are commissioned for weddings and the birth of a child. Oral histories attribute protective power to the figures, and legends describe their role in steering fortunes.

Historical references to xülas appear in the archipelago's legends dating to at least the 16th century. In modern times, production remains an artisanal craft, with a handful of master carvers and cooperative studios. Conservation efforts and cultural programs seek to preserve traditional designs and passing down techniques to younger generations.